UEFA have heard a strong recommendation to finish all domestic competitions, but admit there may be special cases. 

A video conference was held today involving all 55 member nations.

Football across Europe is on hold as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with no uniformity about plans to return to action.

In England the Premier League have vowed only to return to the 2019-20 season once it's safe to do so.

While in Germany, tentative plans are in place to resume the Bundesliga season behind closed doors in early May.

But in Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says there will be no football - even behind closed doors - until a coronavirus vaccine is widely available.

UEFA say "special cases will be heard once guidelines concerning participation to European competitions - in case of a cancelled league - have been developed".

Meanwhile, the Irish Independent report that UEFA are exploring the idea of a November double-header for the Euro 2020 playoffs that were originally scheduled for March.

Stephen Kenny's Republic of Ireland are due to travel to Bratislava to face Slovakia, before a 'final' against either Northern Ireland or Bosnia-Herzegovina.

A decision on the playoffs' format is due to be made next month.

Today's UEFA statement reads:

UEFA today met its 55 member associations via videoconference and presented an update of the options being looked into by the two working groups that were created mid-March. 

A variety of calendar options were presented covering both national team and club competition matches.

The funding of National Associations through UEFA’s Hat Trick programme was also discussed with UEFA reiterating its commitment to meeting the payments to member associations as planned.

There was a strong recommendation given to finish domestic top division and cup competitions, but some special cases will be heard once guidelines concerning participation to European competitions - in case of a cancelled league - have been developed.

Any decisions on the above topics would be announced after the UEFA Executive Committee on Thursday.